EBL 56C.../ H

[spoon.450]

Just been reading this months Cooperworld and learned that Simon W bought the mk3 car/shell that carried ex works reg no. EBL 56C before Guy S transferred it to its current mk1 incarnation. Simon has allocated EBL 56H to this car/shell which is very in keeping, especially as the car is described as being every bit the same way as when Guy owned the car. This car may be considered as directly linked to a Works car, with very interesting history. I personally would be very interested in knowing the story and seeing photographs linking the EBL cars/shells histories, if you don't mind sharing ? Well done obtaining the EBL 56 reg. Simon.
Cheers
Dave

[Pete]

I remember it appearing on Car and Classic a couple of years ago, think it was discussed on here. The vendor included the EBL 56C rally history in the description but then edited it all out?? A Mk 3 certainly wasn't mentioned on Guy Smiths potted history page : http://www.theitalianjob.com/worksminis_EBL56C.htm

It's safe to say the car that wears the EBL number now (which I think is a '66/67) couldn't have pilfered too many parts from the Mk3 as they won't fit, and neither could the Mk3 have had too many parts off 'the original' EBL 56C for the same reason. If there was 'an original' , there were probably half a dozen as you know with 309!

[surfblue63]

It's not that difficult to source a registration if it has not been allocated previously. You just send a message to the DVLA and ask them about it. If it has not been allocated before and you are interested in it, they will put it up for auction. I did this with 1275 GT. I waited over a year for it to come up only to see it get bid up to £12,000. I spotted the plate on the M25 earlier this year stuck on a new MINI Countryman. I have enquired about a few more plates myself and am awaiting news.

Simon must have been lucky as no one else noticed the plate was for sale.

ebl.JPG

[Simon776]

A couple of pictures of EBL in the early 1980's

1982 EBL56C Russek Manuals.jpg

The first time I recall seeing EBL in the metal was on the RAC Golden 50 Rally in 1982.

1982 EBL56C Golden 50 (1).jpg

Simon must have been lucky as no one else noticed the plate was for sale.

I think there would be minimal interest in a plate like that to anyone not in the know. Incidentally, B33 AJB was on offer in the same DVLA auction as EBL 56H and attracted many bids, although apparently AJB is/are the most common initials in the UK.

Contrary to what some of you may have read elsewhere, the exhaust was not ripped off on the Minis to Monte; the centre bracket broke and caused the rear bobbins to fail, or the rear bobbins broke causing the centre bracket to fail. Fortunately there is a metal strap on the super strengthened rear subframe that stopped the exhaust dropping off.

Biggest problem on the M2M event, apart from trying to get past some of the BMW Mini's, was the gap between 3rd and 4th gears which was wider than many of the gorges we went along.

[spoon.450]

Thanks for sharing the pics from 1982 Simon. You have another interesting car there, with some great history.

[spoon.450]

I've just been thinking ( but not too hard ! ), and do not want to upset or offend anyone, I think Simon has made a great move buying EBL 56H for the car and is right and very appropriate.
Imagine this scenario......
I buy the " poor " car currently registered JMO 969D, build a " quality, accurate replica " of JMO 969D spec circa 1966, and use the identity from the " poor " car on the replica. I then purchase ( say ) JMO 969C from the DVLA ( if it, or similar was available ) and allocate it to a V5 for the " poor " car. What would the two cars be ? Which would be the works car ?
Just a thought .....

Dave

[Pete]

I've just been thinking

Please God no!..

[spoon.450]

I've just been thinking

Please God no!..

OK I've stopped...for now !!!